Biomass burning a major source of pollution in India
Source: Economic Times, Date: , 2014
Vehicles, air
conditioners and industries may be the usual suspects contributing to the rise
in pollution levels across the country, but the practice of biomass burning is
an equal threat, if not bigger. A
recent study assessing the effects of biomass burning on pollution in South
Asia was conducted by Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(IITM) and National Centre for Atmospheric Research in the US. The study
reveals that burning of agricultural produce leftovers and forests during the
major harvesting period (between March and May) contributes up to 60% release
of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in the eastern
region, including Myanmar, 50% in central India, 25% in the Indo-Gangetic
region and 40% over the Bay of Bengal.